Welcome to Sound Atlas, a weekly series showcasing LessThan3’s desire to scan the world for the most exciting sounds in global electronic music. This week, we turn our attention to a few new progressive takes on cumbia and tropical house.
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Kandy – Afreakin’ (Cris Major Remix) – Though only 14 years old, Venezuelan producer Cris Major is turning heads with his Afro-Latino take on pop-friendly electro. Flipping Brooklyn-based producer Kandy’s track Afreakin’ into a more tropical house-styled booty groove, this rework won the official remix contest. Download this one for free here.
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Caseroloops – Sentimento, Cumbia y Movimiento (El $abor Remix) – Venezuelan pop band Caseroloops’ single Sentimento, Cumbia y Movimiento, which translates to feeling, cumbia and movement, has been transformed into a more EDM-friendly track via pitch and tempo-shifted drums and deftly-applied chops to the keyboard used in the original production. Reimagined as an anthem that falls in line with both twerk and moombahton styles, it’s certainly worth a spin.
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Branko feat. Alex Rita and Bison – Eventually – Breathing non-organic life into thumping and live drum-laden kuduro is a difficult process, yet it is expertly done by Enchufada label head and Buraka Som Sistema member Branko on his latest single Eventually. If you need a bridge between garage and African elements, this track is a must-add to the digital crates. It’s available via Beatport here.
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El Dusty x Munchi – Sandungeo K Le Pasa VIP – Texas-based DJ/producer El Dusty released acid-cumbia hybrid single K Le Pasa via Germany’s MAN Recordings in 2011. Similarly, Dutch moombahton legend Munchi released underground moombah smash Sandungeo in the same year. For SXSW, El Dusty created a mashup of both singles, a 108 BPM groove optimally meant for Latin-themed parties, but perfect as a peak-hour bomb that Dusty has at-the-ready for any event. Take a listen, but be warned: no apologies are made for the level of dancing that is certain to ensue.
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Jack U feat. Kiesza – Take U There (Bacondo Cumbia Mix) – We’ve all heard Jack U’s Kiesza collaboration numerous times by this point, but hearing it slowed via cumbia’s slow, sweeping riddim is a another experience altoghether. Feeling like EDM’s non-trap version of “chopped and screwed” rap, the Chilean cumbia maestros score once again with this refreshing take on a mainstream smash. It’s free-to-download here.